The effect of high-heeled shoes on overground gait kinematics in young healthy women

The purpose of this study was to assess the modifications in body center of mass (CoM), total mechanical work and walking characteristics during low-heeled and high-heeled gait performed in ecological conditions.

The 3D coordinates of 19 body landmarks were recorded by an optoelectronic motion analyzer in 13 women while walking overground at self-selected speed with either low-heeled or high-heeled shoes (minimum height, 70 mm). Using mean anthropometric data, the CoM was estimated, and its position evaluated during normalized gait cycles. Shoulders, pelvic and knee orientations were also assessed together with estimates of total mechanical work.

High-heeled walking was performed with significantly lower horizontal speed (p < 0.05) but with the same cadence than low-heeled walking. During the whole gait cycle, the CoM (calculated from the malleolus landmarks) was 3 % lower during high-heeled walking (p < 0.05), had higher vertical displacements and vertical velocity modifications (p < 0.001), and it was significantly more anterior (p < 0.01). On average, walking with high heels at self-selected speed required a 16 % higher total mechanical work, but the difference was not significant. At heel strike with high heels, the shoulders were more inclined (p < 0.05), the support limb knee was significantly more flexed (p < 0.05), with a 12 % reduced total range of motion (p < 0.001), while the back limb knee was less flexed (p < 0.05).

Wearing high-heeled shoes significantly alters the normal displacement of human CoM; high-heeled gait exaggerated female walking characteristics with a more anterior CoM position, a wider vertical movement and a slower velocity.